Northbound I-5 south of Bellingham reopens a day ahead of schedule, Two men charged, one released, following arrests in Whatcom fentanyl case, Bellingham reaches deal with logging company to thin trees in protected Lake Whatcom forest, Bellingham Intl announces dates of closure in 2027, Gas prices in Whatcom level off following protracted spikes, Coalition of advocacy groups grant WA an “F” for failing to institute statewide ban on cellphones in schools, WA makes college entry easier, Washington State Ferries prepare for extra services during World Cup, New housing rule workshop offered, Chee and Freap
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, April, 16. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Northbound I-5 south of Bellingham reopens a day ahead of schedule
Northbound I-5 south of Bellingham is open for traffic once again.
The section between mileposts 246 and 250 had been closed since a landslide on March 19th. It reopened yesterday, a day ahead of schedule.
Crews with the Washington State Department of Transportation removed 7,000 cubic yards of debris and stabilised the slope with steel dowels.
STORY: Two men charged, one released, following arrests in Whatcom fentanyl case
A Federal Way man has been released from the Whatcom County Jail after prosecutors dismissed a drug trafficking charge.
Authorities say the case was tied to a multi-agency fentanyl investigation; the investigation itself stemmed from a controlled purchase linked to a suspected trafficking ring. Investigators later seized large amounts of fentanyl, cash, and weapons. Two Bellingham men remain in custody, and their cases are still pending in the Whatcom County Superior Court.
STORY: Bellingham reaches deal with logging company to thin trees in protected Lake Whatcom forest
Logging in a protected area of the Lake Whatcom watershed is expected to start this summer.
In a unanimous vote on Monday, the Bellingham City Council approved a contract with the Janicki Logging and Construction Company. According to council member Michael Lilliquist, the goal is to thin out the number of Douglas firs in order to improve the health of the forest.
Many of the trees were planted in 2012 to limit development near Lake Whatcom. These trees, however, have since grown too dense and would — the council was told — increase the risk of fire, drought, and insect damage.
The trees, located above Lake Louise toward Sudden Valley, will be thinned to about 18 feet apart.
STORY: Bellingham Intl announces dates of closure in 2027
The runway at Bellingham International Airport will close for 30 days in the summer of 2027.
According to the Bellingham Port Authority’s website, both ends of the runway will be fitted with new blast pads and the three taxiways will be rebuilt.
The Port says the closure is expected to result in a loss of $385,000 in revenue. Travelers are encouraged to make alternative plans during that time period.
STORY: Gas prices in Whatcom level off following protracted spikes
Gas prices in Whatcom County are holding steady for now, but experts warn that may not last.
AAA (TRIPLE A) reports the U.S. average price for regular remains at $4.09, while the average price for diesel stands at $5.61. Here in Washington, however, the average is more than a dollar a gallon higher — $5.38 a gallon for regular — while diesel sits at $6.93. Incidentally, the price for a gallon of diesel is now at an all-time high, having surpassed the previous record of $6.76 from last Friday.
Analysts say that, while a ceasefire announcement from President Trump helped ease prices temporarily, the rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz (hor-MUZZ) could send fuel costs climbing again in the days ahead.
STORY: Golden mussels added to list of invasive species prohibited in WA
The golden mussel has been added to the list of invasive species for Washington.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has decontaminated more than 5,800 watercraft since the beginning of the year. According to the agency, golden mussels attach to surfaces by means of rope-like threads on the hinge side of their shell; as such, boat owners should clean, drain, and dry their vessels to prevent the spread.
Golden mussels were first found in California, and later spread to Oregon. Like other invasive species, they pose a threat to native wildlife.
Those seeking more information on how to prevent the spread should refer to the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.
STORY: Coalition of advocacy groups grant WA an “F” for failing to institute statewide ban on cellphones in schools
Washington has received an “F” for failing to keep cell phones out of classrooms.
A national coalition focused on child well‑being says many Washington schools still allow students easy access to their phones during the day, and that campuses aren’t consistently requiring devices to be put away or stored securely. The group argues that without firm limits, phones continue to disrupt learning and student behavior.
Washington lawmakers this year chose not to pursue a statewide ban. Instead, they passed a bill giving districts until 2030 to create their own policies. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal told TVW’s Inside Olympia that the state is lagging behind others that have already adopted strict restrictions. He said most districts have updated their rules, but the patchwork approach weakens results — and that other states are already seeing better engagement and more face‑to‑face interaction when phones are out of reach.
Reykdal said the research is clear and that Washington needs stronger action, not another study.
STORY: WA makes college entry easier
Washington is one of 10 states getting new funding to make college admissions simpler and more student-focused.
State officials say the effort will streamline applications and financial aid into a single platform, aiming to boost access and help more students earn post-high school credentials. Reporter Isobel Charlet (shar-LAY) has more.
AUDIO: Student Success audio px 1 (2:00)
STORY: Washington State Ferries prepare for extra services during World Cup
Washington State Ferries is preparing to put on extra services during the FIFA (FEE-fa) World Cup matches in Seattle this June.
According to WSDOT’s (wash-DOTS) website, the priorities are the Central Puget Sound routes between Seattle, Bainbridge, Bremerton, Edmonds, and Kingston. Extra ferry crews will be on standby at the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility.
There will be six matches at Lumen Field between June 15th and July 6th, as well as other matches in Vancouver.
WX: Jeudi Garland
And now for the weather:
Expect conditions to stay primarily sunny and cool, with forecasts calling for sparse clouds and highs in the mid-50s. This evening should see temperatures drop a bit as cloud coverage increases, which should leave us with an overcast night sky and lows around 40 degrees.
Tomorrow looks like another round of moderate sunshine and thoroughly unremarkable temperatures.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRAH-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Kieran (KEAR-un) Dang, Bella Farris, and Jenny Lam. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by your donations. To help support our work, check out our Patreon, or Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: New housing rule workshop offered
The City of Bellingham is hosting a free workshop to help renters and landlords navigate new housing rules.
The event takes place April 28 at City Council Chambers, where city staff and local groups — including Western Washington University Off Campus Living and the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center — will break down new rental regulations and answer questions.
Topics include local ordinances, statewide rent stabilization, and fair housing laws, with a focus on disability discrimination — the most common complaint in Whatcom County.
The session is part of Fair Housing Month, which also includes a film screening and panel discussion on April 22.
STORY: Chee and Freap
Celebrate Earth Day with us
Save the date for Earth Day on April 22! The City is hosting several events throughout April to celebrate, including:
- Free First Friday at the Whatcom Museum with activities around the new exhibition, Painted Forest: The Science and Beauty of Petrified Wood
- Earth-themed Children’s Storytimes with the Bellingham Public Library
- Volunteer work party to improve water quality and habitat at Squalicum Creek
- A recycling drop-off event for hard-to-recycle items – bring your sensitive documents for shredding, electronic waste, batteries, and used athletic sneakers
- A tour of our recently completed Padden Creek fish passage project
Check out a full list of events with details online.
Residents of Whatcom County can safely and responsibly dispose of old or leftover household paint at a Free Paint Collection & Recycling Event. The event will take place on Saturday, May 2, in Lynden. https://www.whatcomcounty.us//CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5453
THRIFTOPIA! A FLEA MARKET BLOCK PARTY |
| Saturday, April 25 10AM – 3PM | 900 E Fairhaven Ave, Burlington |
| Held just once each spring during the Tulip Festival season, this FREE-admission event features 70+ local vendors offering everything from arts & crafts and jewelry to clothing, garage sale treasures, and new or gently used goods.With booths filling the Burlington Parks & Recreation Building, Burlington Public Library (Friends of the Library Used Book Sale), and Burlington Senior Center, you’ll find plenty of INDOOR and OUTDOOR shopping. Grab a bite from Mexicraves or Drifters Desserts, and don’t forget to ride your bike for a FREE tune-up from the Skagit Valley Bicycle Coalition! Visit our facebook event page for updates. |
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